Anna Patterson I chose to focus on Gavin’s father. I found this testimony to be one of the most emotionally charged and moving scenes in the play. Anna Deavere Smith’s portrayal of Gavin’s father was interesting. The most notable characteristics that she gives to Gavin’s father is the way he talks. She said his words in her throat, giving him a very distinct voice. She was slow when talking, and paused frequently. She was realistic in where Gavin’s father might choke up a bit when talking about his son’s death. The atmosphere on stage was dark and solemn. The focus was only on Gavin’s father and what he had to say. She wore for the character, a brown trench coat, again not to distract from what Gavin’s father was saying. This simple choice in costume also added to the simple sense of sadness that permeated the scene. There was practically nothing in what Gavin's father said that would give a clue as to who he was before his son was killed, but the man in this scene was one whose personality had been replaced by only grief.
I chose to focus on Gavin’s father. I found this testimony to be one of the most emotionally charged and moving scenes in the play. Anna Deavere Smith’s portrayal of Gavin’s father was interesting. The most notable characteristics that she gives to Gavin’s father is the way he talks. She said his words in her throat, giving him a very distinct voice. She was slow when talking, and paused frequently. She was realistic in where Gavin’s father might choke up a bit when talking about his son’s death. The atmosphere on stage was dark and solemn. The focus was only on Gavin’s father and what he had to say. She wore for the character, a brown trench coat, again not to distract from what Gavin’s father was saying. This simple choice in costume also added to the simple sense of sadness that permeated the scene. There was practically nothing in what Gavin's father said that would give a clue as to who he was before his son was killed, but the man in this scene was one whose personality had been replaced by only grief.